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BSA now offers 13 interactive digital merit badge pamphlets

Originally posted on November 4, 2015 by  on Scouting Magazine.

First there were four. Then eight. Now the list of interactive digital merit badge pamphlets has ballooned to 13.

And the best part is the BSA isn’t stopping any time soon.

The Boy Scouts of America recently released five more interactive digital merit badge pamphlets. The newest batch includes exclusively Eagle-required merit badges: Camping, Hiking, Cycling, Swimming and Citizenship in the Nation.

Some Scouters have asked why their Scouts should opt for the interactive digital pamphlets over the ink-and-paper variety. These advantages are what sold me:

  • Exclusive videos, including how-to clips, career bios, virtual tours and multimedia experiences
  • Search, so you can find what you need quickly
  • Simulations, animations, photo slideshows and graphics
  • Interactive Q&A’s

Like all things digital, these don’t take up any extra space in your backpack. And you get it all for the same cost as the print pamphlets: $4.99.

You’re getting the best value by going with the interactive digital edition. But don’t take my word for it; check one out for yourself.

Which merit badges are digital?

Click each merit badge title to be taken to the appropriate ScoutStuff.org page. (Or see the full set here.)

What’s inside?

Take a look:

Is this the same as what’s on Amazon?

No. These interactive digital merit badge pamphlets aren’t the same as the digital merit badge pamphlets sold on Amazon.com.

The big difference? Interactivity.

The ones on Amazon are searchable and available on any device with a Kindle app, but they don’t include the BSA’s custom-designed interactive elements.

The interactive digital merit badge pamphlets, on the other hand, are available on iPad, iPhone, Android and Web browsers and include all of the BSA’s resources for that merit badge.

No matter which version you choose — print, Amazon Kindle edition, interactive digital edition — you’ll spend $4.99 apiece.

Where can I learn more?

You can consider Boys’ Life to be your hub for all things related to these interactive digital merit badges pamphlets. Bookmark this page to find FAQs, links to buy the interactive digital merit badge pamphlets, sample videos and more.

How do I buy these awesome things?

See this step-by-step guide.